[0001] The following disclosure contains a correct and a full description of the invention
and of the best mode known to the inventors of taking advantage of the same.
[0002] This invention relates generally to method and composition containing hydroxyacid
or related compound for enhancing therapeutic effects of cosmetic or pharmaceutical
agent. As will be subsequently described in detail, we initially discovered that alpha
hydroxy or keto acids and their derivatives were effective in the topical treatment
of disease conditions such as dry skin, ichthyosis, eczema, palmar and plantar hyperkeratoses,
dandruff, acne and warts.
[0003] We have now discovered that hydroxyacids or related compounds wherein incorporated
into a therapeutic composition can substantially enhance topical effects of cosmetic
and pharmaceutical agents.
[0004] In our prior U.S. Patent No. 3,879,537 entitled "Treatment of Ichthyosiform Dermatoes"
we described and claimed the use of certain alpha hydroxy acids, alpha keto acids
and related compounds for topical treatment of fish-scale like ichthyotic conditions
in humans. In our U.S. Patent No. 3,920,835 entitled "Treatment of Disturbed Keratinization"
we described and claimed the use of these certain alpha hydroxy acids, alpha keto
acids and their derivatives for topical treatment of dandruff, acne, and palmar and
plantar hyperkeratosis.
[0005] In our prior U.S. Patent No. 4,105,783 entitled "Treatment of Dry Skin: we described
and claimed the use of alpha hydroxy acids, alpha keto acids and their derivatives
for topical treatment of dry skin. In our recent U.S. Patent No. 4,246,261 entitled
"Additives Enhancing Topical Corticosteroid Action" we described and claimed that
alpha hydroxy acids, alpha keto acids and their derivatives, in small amounts could
greatly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of corticosteroids in topical treatment of
psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
[0006] In our more recent U.S. Patent No. 4,363,815 entitled "Alpha Hydroxy acids, Alpha
Keto acids and Their Use in Treating Skin Conditions: we described and claimed that
alpha hydroxy acids and alpha keto acids related to or originating from amino acids,
whether or not found in proteins, were effective in topical treatment of skin disorders
associated with disturbed keratinization or inflammation. These skin disorders include
dry skin, ichthyosis, palmar and plantar hyperkeratosis, dandruff, Darier's disease,
lichen simplex chronicus, keratoses, acne, psoriasis, eczema, pruritus and possibly
warts and herpes.
[0007] In our most recent U.S. Patent No. 4,518,789 entitled "Phenyl Alpha-Acyloxyacetamide
Derivatives and Their Therapeutic Use" we described and claimed that phenyl alpha
acyloxyacetamide derivatives in topical or systemic administration were useful and
effective for pruritus, atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, dry skin, dandruff,
malodors of integumental areas, various aches, pains and discomforts of skin, joints
and other body parts in humans and domestic animals.
[0008] The intact skin of humans is a very effective barrier to many natural and synthetic
substances. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents may be pharmacologically effective
by systemic administration, but many of them are much less or totally ineffective
on topical application to the skin. Topical effectiveness of a pharmaceutical agent
depends on two major factors a) Percutaneous absorption and penetration b) Bioavailability
of the penetrated pharmaceutical agent to the target site in the skin. To be therapeutically
effective as a topical agent a pharmaceutical drug must penetrate the stratum corneum
into the epidermal layers, distributed and bioavailable to the target sites for pharmacologic
action. Many pharmacologic agents can readily penetrate the skin but they are not
bioavailable to the target sites in the skin, therefore therapeutic effect is minimal
and ineffective.
[0009] It has now been discovered that hydroxyacids and related compounds including those
described or not described in our previous patents and additional compounds can substantially
enhance the therapeutic efficacy of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents in topical
treatment of cosmetic conditions, dermatologic disorders or other afflictions. Cosmetic
and pharmaceutical agents may include any chemical substances natural or synthetic,
intended for topical application to the skin or its appendages in human and animals.
Some examples of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents include age spots and keratoses
removing agents, analgesics, anesthetics, antiacne agents, antibacterials, antiyeast
agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, antiburn agents, antidandruff agents,
antidermatitis agents, antipruritic agents, antiperspirants, antiinflammatory agents,
antihyperkeratolytic agents, antidryskin agents, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic
agents, astringents, softeners, emollient agents, coal tar, bath oils, sulfur, rinse
conditioners, foot care agents, fungicides, hair growth promoters, hair removers,
keratolytic agents, moisturizer agents, powder, shampoos, skin bleaches, skin protectants,
soaps, cleansers, antiaging agents, sunscreen agents, wart removers, wet dressings,
vitamins, tanning agents, topical antihistamin agents, hormones, vasodilators, retinoids,
bronchial dilators, topical cardiovascular agents and other dermatologicals.
[0010] The enhancing compounds of the instant invention are hydroxycarboxylic acids and
related compounds. There are three groups of such hydroxyacids. The first is hydroxymonocarboxylic
acids having the following chemical structure:
R
1 (CR
2OH)
m(CH
2)
n COOH
wherein
R1, R2 =H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain or cyclic form, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms.
m=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9
n=0 or a numerical number up to 23
When n=0 and m=1 or more, the hydroxymonocarboxylic acid is also called aldonic acid.
The name comes from a carbohydrate, aldose, which may be oxidized to aldonic acid
by the oxidation of the aldehyde group in aldose to the carboyxlic group.
[0011] The hydroxymonocarboxylic acid may be present as a free acid, lactone, or salt form.
The lactone form could be either inter or intramolecular lactone, however, most common
ones are intramolecular lactones with a ring structure formed by elimination of one
or more water molecules between a hydroxy group and the carboxylic group. Since the
hydroxymonocarboxylic acids are organic in nature, they may form a salt or a complex
with an inorganic or organic base such as ammonium hydroxide, sodium or potassium
hydroxide, or triethanolamine.
[0012] The hydroxymonocarboxylic acid and its related compounds may also exist as stereoisomers
such as D, L, and DL forms.
[0013] The typical alkyl, aralkyl and aryl groups for R
1 and R
2 include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, benzyl and phenyl. The hydrogen atoms of
the R
1 and R
2 and (CH
2)
n may be substituted by a nonfunctional element such as F, Cl, Br, I, S or a radical
such as a lower alkyl or alkoxy, saturated or unsaturated, having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
Representative hydroxymonocarboxylic acids are listed below:
1. 2-Hydroxyacetic acid (Glycolic acid)
R1=H, R2=H, m=1, n=0
2. 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid (Lactic acid)
R1=CH3, R2=H, m=1, n=0
3. 2-Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (Methyllactic acid)
R1=CH3, R2=CH3, m=1, n=0
4. 2-Hydroxybutanoic acid
R1=C2H5, R2=H, m=1, n=0
5. Phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid (Mandelic acid)
R1=C6H5, R2=H, m=1, n=0
6. Phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid (Atrolactic acid)
R1=C6H5, R2=CH3, m=1, n=0
7. 3-Phenyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (Phenyllactic acid)
R1=C6H5, R2=H, m=1, n=1
8. 2,3-Dihydroxypropanoic acid (Glyceric acid)
R1=H, R2=H, m=2, n=0
9. 2, 3, 4-Trihydroxybutanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H, m=3, n=0
10. 2, 3, 4, 5-Tetrahydroxypentanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H,m=4, n=0
11. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-Pentahydroxyhenxanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H, m=5, n=0
12. 2-Hydroxydodecanoic acid (alpha hydroxylauric acid)
R1=C10H21, R2=H, m=1, n=0
13. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-Hexahydroxyheptanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H, m=6, n=0
14. Diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid)
R1=C6H5, R2=C6H5, m=1, n=0
15. 4-Hydroxymandelic acid
R1=C6H4(OH), R2=H, m=1, n=0
16. 4-Chloromandelic acid
R1=C6H4(Cl), R2=H, m=1, n=0
17. 3-Hydroxybutanoic acid
R1=CH3, R2=H, m=1, n=1
18. 4-Hydroxybutanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H, m=a, n=2
19. 2-Hydroxyhexanoic acid
R1=C4H9, R2=H, m=1, n=0
20. 5-Hydroxydodecanoic acid
R1=C7H15, R2=H, m=1, n=3
21. 12-Hydroxydodecanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H, m=1, n=10
22. 10-Hydroxydecanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H, m=1, n=8
23. 16-Hydroxyhexadecanoic acid
R1=H, R2=H, m=1, n=14
24. 2-Hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid
R1=C3H7, R2=H, m=1, n=0
25. 2-Hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid
R1=C4H9, R2=H, m=1, n=0
26. 3-Hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid
R1=C6H3 (OH) (OCH3), R2=H, m=1, n=0
27. 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid
R1=C6H3 (OH) (OCH3), R2=H, m=1, n=0
28. 2-Hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid
R1=C2H5, R2=CH3, m=1, n=0
29. 3-(2-Hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid
R1=C6H4(OH) CH2, R2=H, m=1, n=0
30. 3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid
R1=C6H4(OH) CH2, R2=H, m=1, n=0
31. Hexahydromandelic acid
R1=C6H11, R2=H, m=1, n=0
32. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid
R1=C2H5, R2-CH3, m=1, n=1
33. 4-Hydroxydecanoic acid
R1=C6H13, R2=H, m=1, n=2
34. 5-Hydroxydecanoic acid
R1=C5H11, R2=H, m=1, n=3
35. Aleuritic acid
R1=C6H12(OH), R2=H, m=2, n=7
[0014] The linear lactic acid polymer is an intermolecular lactone formed by elimination
of one water molecule between the hydroxy group of one molecule of lactic acid and
the carboxylic group of a second molecule of lactic acid. The common linear lactic
acid polymer may contain 3 lactic acid units.
[0015] Ribonic acid is one of the stereoisomers of 2, 3, 4, 5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid,
and the corresponding lactone is ribonolactone. Gluconic acid, galactonic acid, gulonic
acid and mannonic acid are typical 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acids and their
corresponding lactones are gluconolactone, galactonolactone, gulonolactone and mannonolactone
respectively. The related compounds of hydroxymonocarboxylic acids are ketomonocarboxylic
acids which are formed from the former by a oxidation reaction or in vivo by a dehydrogenase
enzyme. For example, 2-ketopropanoic acid (pyruvic acid) and 2-hydroxypropanoic acid
(lactic acid) are converted to each other in vivo by the enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase.
Although pure pyruvic acid (liquid form) can be kept in a refrigerator for an extended
period of time a composition containing pyruvic acid for topical use is not very stable
at an elevated temperature. Therefore, for practical purposes pyruvic acid esters
are used instead.
[0016] The representative esters are methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate and
isopropyl pyruvate. Other representative ketomonocarboxylic acids and their esters
are phenyl pyruvic acid and its esters such as methyl phenyl pyruvate, ethyl phenyl
pyruvate and propyl phenyl pyruvate; formyl formic acid (2-ketoacetic acid) and its
esters such as methyl, ethyl and propyl formyl formate; benzoyl formic acid and its
esters such as methyl, ethyl and propyl benzoyl formate; 4-hydroxybenzoylformic acid
and its esters; 4-hydroxypnenylpyruvic acid and its esters; 2-hydroxyphenylpyruvic
acid and its esters.
[0017] Many hydroxy or ketomonocarboxylic acids are structurally related to amino acids
either naturally occurring in proteins or not. For example alanine and pyruvic acid
are interconverted to each other in vivo by an enzyme alanine dehydrogenase or alanine
ketoglutarate transaminase. As mentioned earlier pyruvic acid and lactic acid are
interconverted to each other in vivo by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Therefore,
alanine, pyruvic acid and lactic acid are chemically related in that the amino group
of alanine may be converted to the keto group of pyruvic acid or the hydroxy group
of lactic acid. The same relationships may apply to formyl formic acid and glycolic
acid to glycine; hydroxpyruvic acid and glyceric acid to serine; phenyl pyruvic acid
and phenyl lactic acid to phenylalanine; 2-keto- and 2-hydroxy-4 (methylthio) butanoic
acids to methionine.
[0018] The second kind of hydroxyacid is hydroxydicarboxylic acid having the following chemical
structure:

wherein
m=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9
n=0 or a numerical number up to 23
[0019] The hydroxydicarboxylic acid may also be present as a free acid, lactone or salt
form. The lactone form could be either inter or intramolecular lactone. However, the
common lactone is an intramolecular lactone with a ring structure formed by elimination
of one or more water molecule between a hydroxy group and one of the carboxylic groups.
Since the hydroxydicarboxylic acid is organic in nature, it may form a salt or a complex
with an inorganic or organic base such as ammonium hydroxide. sodium or potassium
hydroxide, or triethanolamine.
[0020] The hydroxydicarboxylic acid and its related compounds may also exist as stereoisomers
such as D, L, DL and meso forms.
[0021] The hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted by a nonfunctional
element such as F, Cl, Br, I, S or a radical such as a lower alkyl or alkoxy of saturated
or unsaturated, having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
[0022] When n=0 and m=1 or more, the hydroxydicarboxylic acid is also called aldaric acid.
The name comes from the carbohydrate, and the common ones are saccharic acid and galactaric
acid. Representative hydroxydicarboxylic acids are listed below:
1. 2-Hydroxypropanedioic acid (Tartronic acid)
m=1, n=0
2. 2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid (Malic acid)
m=1, n=1
3. Erythraric acid and Threaric acid (Tartaric acid)
m=2, n=0
4. Arabiraric acid, Ribaric acid, Xylaric acid and Lyxaric acid
m=3, n=0
5. Glucaric acid (saccharic acid), Galactaric acid (Mucic acid), Mannaric acid, Gularic
acid, Allaric acid, Altraric acid, Idaric acid and Talaric acid
m=4, n=0
[0023] Commercially available saccharolactone (D-saccharic acid 1, 4-lactone) is an intramolecular
lactone formed by elimination of one water molecule between the hydroxy group at position
4 and the carboxylic group at position 1.
[0024] The third type of hydroxyacid is a miscellaneous group of compounds which is not
readily represented by the above generic structure of either the first type or the
second type. Included in the third type of hydroxyacids are the following:
[0025] Hydroxycarboxylic acid of
R (0H)
m (C00H)
n
Wherein
m,n = 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,or 9
R=H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain or cyclic form, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms.
[0026] citric acid, isocitric acid, citramalic acid, agaricic acid (n-hexadecylcitric acid),
quinic acid, uronic acids including glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone, galacturonic
acid, galacturonolactone, hydroxypyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid phosphate, ascorbic
acid, dihydroascorbic acid, dihydroxytartaric acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid,
1-hydroxy-1-cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 2-hydroxyhexanedial, 5-hydroxylysine, 3-hydroxy-2-aminopentanoic
acid, tropic acid, 4-hydroxy-2, 2-diphenylbutanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric
acid, and 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid.
[0027] The third type of hydroxyacid may also be present as a free acid, lactone or salt
form. The lactone form could be either an inter or intramolecular lactone, however,
most common are intramolecular lactones with a ring structure. Commonly known glucuronolactone
is a r-lactone i.e. 1,4-lactone of intramolecular type.
[0028] The hydroxyacid of the third type may also exist as stereoisomers such as D, L, DL
and meso forms. The hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted by
a nonfunctional element such as F, Cl, Br, I, S or a radical such as a lower alkyl
or alkoxy of saturated or unsaturated, having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
[0029] Any hydroxyacid and related compound of the above three kinds may be used as an additive
in a combination composition to enhance the percutaneous penetration or the therapeutic
efficacy of cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents. The cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents
may include but not limited to: age spots and keratoses removing agents, vitamins,
aloes, retinoids, sun screens; tanning, depigmenting and shampooing agents; antiperspirants,
antiyeasts, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral agents; topical bronchial dilators;
topical cardiovascular agents; keratoses, age spots and wrinkles removal agents, hair
growth promoting agents and other dermatological agents.
[0030] Hydroxyacids and related compounds may also be used alone in the prophylactic and
therapeutic treatment of cosmetic conditions or dermatologic disorders characterized
by disturbed keratinization, aging, lipid metabolism or inflammation. The representative
hydroxyacids are listed below:
[0031] citramalic acid, tropic acid, benzilic acid, ribonic acid and ribonolactone, gulonic
acid and gulonolactone, 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, 2-hydroxylauric acid, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic
acid, aleuritic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 4-chloromandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic
acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic
acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)
lactic acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid, hexahydromandelic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic
acid, 1-hydroxy-1-cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, 2-hydroxyhexanoic
acid, 5-hydroxylauric acid, 12-hydroxylauric acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic
acid, 4-hydroxydecanoic acid, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, and 4-hydroxy-2, 2-diphenylbutanoic
acid.
[0032] In the present invention, the following aspects are
inter alia preferred:
a. A method for enhancing the therapeutic effect of a composition comprising a cosmetic
or pharmaceutical agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical application
to the skin of humans or animals comprising:
admixing with said composition an enhancing effective amount of at least one member
selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acid and related ketocarboxylic
acid and ester, lactone or salt forms thereof.
b. The method as described in a. wherein said cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent is
a member selected from the group consisting of age spots, wrinkles and keratoses removing
agents; analgesics, anesthetics, antiacne agents, antibacterials, antiyeasts, antifungals,
antivirals; antiburn, antidandruff, antidermatitis, antipruritic, antiperspirant,
antiinflammatory, antiaging, antihyperkeratolytic, antidryskin, antipsoriasis, antiseborrhea,
astringent agents; skin softeners and emollients; coal tar, bath oils, sulfur, rinse
conditioners; hair growth and hair removing agents; keratolytics, moisturizers, powders,
shampoos, skin bleaches, skin protectants, soaps, cleansers, sunscreens, wart removers,
vitamins, tanning agents; topical antihistamins, hormones, retinoids, vasodilators,
bronchial dilators, topical cardiovasculars and dermatologicals.
c. The method as described in a. wherein said cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent is
a member selected from the group consisted of: aloe; 9-aminoacridine; PABA and its
esters, acyclovir, amphotericins; benzoyl peroxide; clindamycin, chloramphenicol;
clotrimazole, candicidin; cromolyn, clindamycin, crotamiton, coal tar; doxycycline;
dipyridamole, dioxybenzone, diazoxide, diphenylhydantoin; ephedrine, erythromycin;
fluorouracil, flucytosine; gentamicin, griseofulvin, gramicidin; halothane, hydroquinone
and its monomethyl and benzyl ethers; haloprogin, hydralazine; idoxuridine, kanamycin,
ketoconazole, lidocaine, miconazole, metronidazole, minoxidil, minocycline, meclocycline,
metronidazole, nitroglycerine, nystatin, neomycin, oxybenzone, oxytetracycline, procaine,
polymyxins, povidone-iodine, phenytoin, prazosin, retinoic acid and other retinoids,
spironolactone, sulfonamides, sulfacytosine, spectinomycin, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazoles,
sulfamethizole, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, sulfur, theophylline, tobramycin,
tetracycline, tolnaftate, trimethoprin, troleandomycin, vitamins, vancomycin and zinc
pyrithione.
d. The method as described in a. wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acid is hydroxymonocarboxylic
acid having the following chemical structural formula:
R1(CR2OH)m (CH2)nCOOH
wherein
R1, R2=H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain or cyclic form, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms.
m=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 9
n=0 or a numerical number up to 23
present as free acid, lactone or salt form, and as optically active or inactive isomer
such as D, L, and DL forms; the hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted
by a nonfunctional F, Cl, Br, I, or S atom or a lower alkyl or alkoxy saturated or
unsaturated radical, having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
e. The method as described in d. wherein said hydroxymonocarboxylic acid is a member
selected from the group consisted of 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid;
2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-hydroxybutanoic acid; phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid;
phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 3-phenyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic
acid; 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic acid; 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid; 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic
acid; 2-hydroxydodecanoic acid; 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid; diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic
acid; 4-hydroxymandelic acid; 4-chloromandelic acid; 3-hydroxybutanoic acid; 4-hydroxybutanoic
acid; 2-hydroxyhexanoic acid; 5-hydroxydodecanoic acid; 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid;
10-hydroxydecanoic acid; 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid;
2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic
acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid; 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)
lactic acid; hexahydromandelic acid; 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid; 4-hydroxydecanoic
acid; 5-hydroxydecanoic acid; aleuritic acid.
f. The method as described in d. wherein said hydroxymonocarboxylic acid is a member
derived from an amino acid by substituting the amino group with a hydroxy group.
g. The method as described in d. wherein said lactone is an intermolecular or intramolecular
lactone including linear acid polymer, ribonolactone, gluconolactone, galactonolactone,
gulonolactone and mannonolactone.
h. The method as described in a. wherein said compound is a keto or hydroxyketomonocarboxylic
acid selected from the group consisting of pyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic
acid phosphate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, isopropyl pyruvate,
phenyl pyruvic acid, methyl phenyl pyruvate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, propyl phenyl
pyruvate; formyl formic acid, methyl formyl formate, ethyl formyl formate, propyl
formyl formate, benzoyl formic acid, methyl benzoyl formate, ethyl benzoyl formate,
propyl benzoyl formate, 4-hydroxybenzoyl formic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid,
and 2-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid.
i. The method as described in a. wherein said compound is a hydroxydicarboxylic acid
having the following chemical structural formula:

wherein
m=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, or 9
n=0 or a numerical number up to 23
present as free acid, lactone or salt form, and as optically active or inactive D,
L, and meso isomer; hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted by
a nonfunctional F, Cl, Br, I, or S atom or a lower alkyl or alkoxy saturated or unsaturated
radical, having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
j. The method as described in i. wherein said hydroxydicarboxylic acid is a member
selected from the group consisted of 2-hydroxypropanedioic acid; 2-hydroxybutanedioic
acid; erythraric acid; threaric acid; arabiraric acid; ribaric acid; xylaric acid;
lyxaric acid; glucaric acid; galactaric acid; mannaric acid; gularic acid; allaric
acid; altraric acid; idaric acid; talaric acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanedioic acid.
k. The method as described in i. wherein said hydroxydicarboxylic acid is a member
derived from an amino acid by substituting the amino group with a hydroxy group.
l. The method as described in i. wherein said lactone is an intermolecular or intra
molecular lactone including saccharic acid, 1,4-lactone.
m. A method for enhancing the therapeutic effect of a composition comprising a cosmetic
or pharmaceutical agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical application
to the skin of humans or animals comprising:
admixing with said composition an enhancing effective amount of at least one member
selected from the group consisting of
Hydroxycarboxylic acid of
R (OH)m (COOH)n
Wherein
m,n = 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 9
R=H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain or cyclic form, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms.
citric acid, isocitric acid, agaricic acid, quinic acid, citramalic acid, glucuronic
acid, glucuronolactone, galacturonic acid, galacturonolactone, uronic acids, uronolactones,
ascorbic acid, dihydroascorbic acid, dihydroxytartaric acid, 1-hydroxy-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic
acid, 2-hydroxyhexanedial, 5-hydroxylysine, 3-hydroxy-2-aminopentanoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic
acid, tropic acid, 4-hydroxy-2, 2-diphenylbutanoic acid, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric
acid and ester, lactone or salt forms thereof, and as an optically active or inactive
D, L, DL or meso isomer; the hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted
by a nonfunctional F, Cl, Br, I or S atom or a lower alkyl or alkoxy saturated or
unsaturated radical having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
n. The method as described in m. wherein the lactone is an inter or intramolecular
lactone.
o. A therapeutic composition effective against skin conditions and disorders comprising
an effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of:
Citramalic acid, Diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid), 2-phenyl 3-hydroxypropanoic
acid (tropic acid), aleuritic acid, ribonic acid, ribonoloactone, 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid, 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, 2-hydroxylauric
acid, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 4-chloromandelic
acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic
acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, 3-(3-hyroxphenyl) lactic acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)
lactic acid, hexahydromandelic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid, 1-hydroxy-1-cyclopropane
carboxylic acid, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, 2-hydroxyhexanoic acid, 5-hydroxylauric acid,
12-hydroxylauric acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, 4-hydroxydecanoic
acid, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, and 4-hydroxy-2, 2-diphenylbutanoic acid as a free acid
or salt form in a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle.
p. The composition as described in o. wherein said skin conditions and disorders include
dry skin, dandruff, keratoses, age spots, warts, acne, oily skin, eczema, psoriasis,
wrinkles, inflammatory and pruritic skin, and disturbed keratinization.
q. A method for alleviating the symptoms of skin conditions and disorders comprising
the topical application of a therapeutic effective amount of at least one compound
selected from the group consisting of:
Diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid), 2-phenyl 3-hydroxypropanoic acid (tropic
acid), aleuritic acid, ribonic acid, ribonoloactone, 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic acid,
2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid, 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, 2-hydroxylauric
acid, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 4-chloromandelic
acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic
acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandellc acid, 3-(2-hydroxphenyl) lactic acid, citramalic
acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid, hexahydromandelic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic
acid, 1-hydroxy-1-cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, 2-hydroxyhexanoic
acid, 5-hydroxylauric acid, 12-hydroxylauric acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic
acid, 4-hydroxydecanoic acid, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, and 4-hydroxy-2, 2-diphenylbutanoic
acid as a free acid or salt form in a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable
vehicle.
r. The method as described in q. wherein said skin conditions and disorders include
dry skin, dandruff, keratoses, age spots, wrinkles, warts, acne, oily skin, eczema,
psoriasis, inflammatory and pruritic skin, and disturbed keratinization.
s. An enhanced therapeutic composition effective against skin conditions and disorders
comprising an effective amount of at least one member selected from the group consisting
of hydroquinone and hydroquinone monoether including monomethyl and monobenzyl ether
and an enhancing effective amount of at least one member selected from the group consisting
of hydroxycarboxylic acids and related ketocarboxylic acids, and ester, lactone or
salt form thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical application
to skin of human or animal body.
t. The composition as described in s. wherein said skin conditions and disorders include
keratoses, age spots, wrinkles, brownish spots, melasma, lentigines and other pigmented
skin spots.
u. The composition as described in s. wherein said acids and related compounds include
glycolic acid, benzilic acid, tropic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, isocitric
acid, citramalic acid, tartronic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, galactonic acid,
alpha hydroxyisobutyric acid, phenyllactic acid, mandelic acid, atrolactic acid, gluconolactone,
galactonolactone, ribonic acid, ribonolactone, pantoic acid, pantolactone, pantothenic
acid, alpha hydroxybutyric acid, Beta hydroxybutyric acid, quinic acid, pyruvic acid,
phenyl pyruvic acid, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, ascorbic acid, benzoyl formic
acid, methyl benzoyl formate, and ethyl benzoyl formate.
v. A method for enhancing therapeutic effects of a composition of hydroquinone or
its monoether derivative in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle comprising admixing
therewith an enhancing effective amount of at least one member selected from the group
consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acids and related ketocarboxylic acids, and ester,
lactone or salt forms thereof.
w. The method as described in v. wherein said hydroxyacids and related compounds include
glycolic acid, benzilic acid, tropic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, isocitric
acid, citramalic acid, tartronic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, galactonic acid,
alpha hydroxyisobutyric acid, phenyllactic acid, mandelic acid, atrolactic acid, gluconolactone,
galactonolactone, ribonic acid, ribonolactone, pantoic acid, pantolactone, pantothenic
acid, alpha hydroxybutyric acid, beta hydroxybutyric acid, quinic acid, pyruvic acid,
phenyl pyruvic acid, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, ascorbic acid, benzoyl formic
acid, methyl benzoyl formate, ethyl benzoyl formate.
x. A method for preventing hair loss and/or enhancing hair growth comprising the topical
application of a combination composition consisting of minoxidil or dipyridamole and
an enhancing effective amount of at least one member selected from the group consisting
of hydroxycarboxylic acids and related ketocarboxylic acids, and ester, lactone or
salt forms thereof pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical application to
skin of human or animal body.
y. The method as described in x. wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acid or related compound
is a member selected from the group consisted of lactic acid, glycolic acid, glucuronic
acid, gluconolactone, gluconic acid, 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, mandelic acid,
tropical acid, benzilic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, tartronic acid,
pyruvic acid, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, saccharic acid, isocitric acid, agaricic
acid, citramalic acid, aleuritic acid, mucic acid, galaturonic acid, phenyllactic
acid, benzoylformic acid, atrolactic acid, galactonic acid, ascorbic acid, dihydroascorbic
acid, pantoyllactone, gulonic acid, gulonolactone, pantoic acid, ribonic acid, ribonolactone,
3-hydroxybutanoic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic
acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, 4-chloromanuelic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic
acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)
lactic acid and hexahydromandelic acid.
z. A therapeutic composition useful in preventing hairloss and/or enhancing hairgrowth
comprising a combination composition consisting of an effective amount of minoxidil
or dipyridamole and an enhancing effective amount of at least one member selected
from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acids and related ketocarboxylic acids,
and ester, lactone or salt forms thereof pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical
application to skin of human or animal body.
aa. The composition as described in z. wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acid or related
compound is a member selected from the group consisted of lactic acid, glycolic acid,
glucuronic acid, gluconolactone, gluconic acid, 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid,
mandelic acid, tropic acid, benzilic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid,
tartronic acid, pyruvic acid, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, saccharic acid, isocitric
acid, agaricic acid, citramalic acid, aleuritic acid, mucic acid, galacturonic acid,
phenyllactic acid, benzoylformic acid, atrolactic acid, galactonic acid, ascorbic
acid, dihydroascorbic acid, pantoyllactone, gulonic acid, gulonolactone, pantoic acid,
ribonic acid, ribonolactone, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic
acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, 4-chloromandelic
acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)
lactic acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid and hexahydromandelic acid.
bb. A therapeutic composition useful in preventing hair loss and/or enhancing hair
growth comprising an effective amount of dipyridamole in a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle for topical application to skin of human or animal body.
cc. A method for preventing hairloss and/or enhancing hair growth comprising the topical
application of a composition consisting of dipyridamole in a pharmaceutically acceptable
vehicle for topical application to skin of human or animal body.
dd. A prophylactic and therapeutic composition effective against acne and for oily
skin and as skin cleanser comprising an effective amount of benzilic acid in a pharmaceutically
acceptable vehicle for topical application to skin of human or animal body.
ee. A method for preventing as well as treating acne or for oily skin as skin cleanser
comprising the topical application to involved skin of a composition containing an
effective amount of benzilic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle for topical
application to skin of human or animal body.
ff. A method for preventing as well as treating wrinkles or skin changes associated
with aging of skin comprising the topical application to involved skin of a composition
containing a therapeutic effective amount of at least one member selected from the
group consisted of hydroxycarboxylic acids and related ketocarboxylic acids, and ester,
lactone or salt forms thereof.
gg. The method as described in ff. wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acids and related
compounds include 2-Hydroxyacetic acid; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic
acid; 2-hydroxybutanoic acid; phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyacetic
acid; 3-phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid; 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid, 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, 2-hydroxydodecanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 4-hydroxymandelic
acid; 4-chloromandelic acid; 3-hydroxybutanoic acid; 4-hydroxybutanoic acid; 2-hydroxyhexanoic
acid; , 5-hydroxydodecanoic acid, 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid,
16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic
acid; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic
acid; 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; hexahydromandelic
acid; 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid; 4-hydroxydecanoic acid; 5-hydroxydecanoic
acid; aleuritic acid; 2-Hydroxypropanedioic acid; 2-hydroxybutanedioic acid; erythraric
acid; threaric acid; arabiraric acid; ribaric acid; xylaric acid; lyxaric acid; glucaric
acid; galactaric acid; mannaric acid; gularic acid; allaric acid; altraric acid; idaric
acid; talaric acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanedioic acid;
Citric acid, isocitric acid, agaricic acid, quinic acid, glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone,
galacturonic acid, galacturonolactone, uronic acids, uronolactones, ascorbic acid,
dihydroascorbic acid, dihydroxytartaric acid, tropic acid, ribonolactone, gluconolactone,
galactonolactone, gulonolactone, mannonolactone, ribonic acid, gluconic acid, citramalic
acid;
Pyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid phosphate, methyl pyruvate,
ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, isopropyl pyruvate; phenyl pyruvic acid, methyl phenyl
pyruvate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, propyl phenyl pyruvate; formyl formic acid, methyl
formyl formate, ethyl formyl formate, propyl formyl formate, benzoyl formic acid,
methyl benzoyl formate, ethyl benzoyl formate, propyl benzoyl formate, 4-hydroxybenzoyl
formic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid, 2-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid.
hh. A prophylactic and therapeutic composition comprising an effective amount of at
least one member selected from the group consisted of hydroxycarboxyiic acids and
related ketocarboxylic acids, and ester, lactone or salt forms thereof in a pharmaceutically
acceptable vehicle for topical treatment of skin wrinkles or skin changes associated
with aging.
ii. A composition as described in hh. wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acids and related
compounds include 2-Hydroxyacetic acid; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic
acid; 2-hydroxybutanoic acid; phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyacetic
acid; 3-phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid; 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid, 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, 2-hydroxydodecanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 4-hydroxymandelic
acid; 4-chloromandelic acid; 3-hydroxybutanoic acid; 4-hydroxybutanoic acid; 2-hydroxyhexanoic
acid; , 5-hydroxydodecanoic acid, 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid,
16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic
acid; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic
acid; 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; hexahydromandelic
acid; 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid; 4-hydroxydecanoic acid; 5-hydroxydecanoic
acid; aleuritic acid; 2-Hydroxypropanedioic acid; 2-hydroxybutanedioic acid; erythraric
acid; threaric acid; arabiraric acid; ribaric acid; xylaric acid; lyxaric acid; glucaric
acid; galactaric acid; mannaric acid; gularic acid; allaric acid; altraric acid; idaric
acid; talaric acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanedioic acid;
Citric acid, isocitric acid, agaricic acid; quinic acid, glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone,
galacturonic acid, galacturonolactone, uronic acids, uronolactones, ascorbic acid,
dihydroascorbic acid, dihydroxytartaric acid, tropic acid, ribonolactone, gluconolactone,
galactonolactone, gulonolactone, mannonolactone, ribonic acid, gluconic acid, citramalic
acid;
Pyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid phosphate, their esters; methyl
pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, isopropyl pyruvate; phenyl pyruvic acid,
its esters; methyl phenyl pyruvate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, propyl phenyl pyruvate;
formyl formic acid, its esters; methyl formyl formate, ethyl formyl formate, propyl
formyl formate; benzoyl formic acid, its esters; methyl benzoyl formate, ethyl benzoyl
formate, propyl benzoyl formate; 4-hydroxybenzoyl formic acid, its esters;
4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid, its esters; 2-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid and its esters.
jj. Use of a hydroxy-carboxylic acid and/or related ketocarboxylic acid and/or an
ester thereof according to claims 1 and 4 to 12 for the preparation of a topical cosmetic
or pharmaceutical composition with enhanced therapeutic effect.
Preparation of the Therapeutic Compositions
[0033] To prepare a therapeutic composition in solution form at least one of the aforementioned
enhancing compounds of hydroxyacids and a cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent are dissolved
in a solution which may consist of ethanol, water, propylene glycol, acetone or other
pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles. The concentration of hydroxyacids may range
from 0.01 to 99 percent by weight of the total composition. The concentration of the
cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent ranges from 0.01 to 40 percent by weight of the total
composition.
[0034] In the preparation of a therapeutic composition in cream or ointment form at least
one of hydroxyacids and one of cosmetic or pharmaceutic agents are initially dissolved
in a solvent such as water, ethanol, acetone, propylene glycol or polysorbate 80.
the solution thus prepared is then mixed in a conventional manner with commonly available
cream or ointment base such as hydrophilic ointment or petrolatum. The concentrations
of hydroxyacids, cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents may range from 0.01 to 99 percent
by weight of the total composition.
[0035] Therapeutic compositions of the instant invention may also be formulated in gel,
lotion, shampoo, spray, stick or powder. A typical gel composition of the instant
invention utilizes at least one of hydroxyacids and one of cosmetic or pharmaceutical
agents dissolved in a mixture of ethanol, water and propylene glycol in a volume ratio
of 40:40:20, respectively. A gelling agent such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or ammoniated glycyrrhizinate is then added to the mixture
with agitation. The preferred concentration of the gelling agent may range from 0.1
to 4 percent by weight of the total composition.
[0036] The following are illustrative examples of formulations and compositions according
to this invention. Although the examples utilize only selected compounds and formulations,
it should be understood that the following examples are illustrative and not limitative.
Therefore, any of the aforementioned hydroxyacids, cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents
may be substituted according to the teachings of this invention in the following examples.
Example 1
[0037] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition in solution form for age spots and for
keratoses may be prepared as follows.
[0038] Malic acid 1 gram, gluconolactone 19 grams and citric acid 0.5 gram are dissolved
in a mixture of ethanol 30 ml, water 42 ml and glycerin 5 ml. Sodium bisulfite 0.5
g and hydroquinone 2 grams are added with stirring until a clear solution is obtained.
The hydroxyacids, malic acid, gluconolactone and citric acid have been added a) as
antioxidants to help stabilize the hydroquinone in the composition b) to enhance the
penetration and the efficacy of hydroquinone c) to normalize the disturbed keratinization
in age spot and keratoses.
[0039] The composition thus formulated contains 2% hydroquinone, 1% malic acid, 19% gluconolactone,
0.5% citric acid, and has pH 3.3
Example 2
[0040] A therapeutic composition in solution form for age spots and/or keratoses may be
formulated as follows.
[0041] Alpha hydroxyisobutyric acid (Methyllactic acid) 20 grams and citric acid 2 grams
are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 49 ml, water 20 ml and propylene glycol 7 ml.
Sodium bisulfite 0.5 g and hydroquinone 2 grams are added with stirring until a clear
solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains 2% hydroquinone, 2%
citric acid, 20% methyllactic acid, and has pH 3.6.
Example 3
[0042] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing minoxidil and lactic acid for
hair growth and for prevention of hair loss on the scalp may be formulated as follows.
[0043] Minoxidil 2 grams and lactic acid 3 ml are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 80 ml
and propylene glycol 15 ml with stirring until a clear solution is obtained. The composition
thus formulated contains 2% minoxidil, 3% lactic acid, and has pH 4.7. The lactic
acid has been added to help minoxidil dissolved into solution, to enhance the penetration
and the efficacy of minoxidil for hair growth.
Example 4
[0044] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition in solution form for hair growth on the
scalp may be formulated as follows.
[0045] Minoxidil 2 grams and ethyl pyruvate 2 ml are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 80
ml and propylene glycol 16 ml. The composition thus formulated contains 2% minoxidil,
2% ethyl pyruvate, and has pH 5.0. The ketoacid ester, ethyl pyruvate has been added
to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of minoxidil for hair growth on the scalp.
Example 5
[0046] A therapeutic composition containing anthralin and hydroxyacid for psoriasis may
be formulated as follows.
[0047] Anthralin powder 0.5 gram and alpha hydroxyisobutyric acid 4 grams are dissolved
in a mixture of ethanol 50 ml, acetone 30 ml and diisopropyl adipate 16 ml with stirring
until a clear yellowish solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains
0.5% anthralin, 4% alpha hydroxyisobutyric acid, and has pH 4.2. The hydroxyacid has
been added to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of anthralin for psoriasis.
Example 6
[0048] A therapeutic composition containing thionicotinamide and hydroxyacid for psoriasis,
keratoses and warts may be formulated as follows.
[0049] Thionicotinamide 2 grams and lactic acid 20 ml are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol
40 ml, water 30 ml and propylene glycol 8 ml with stirring until a clear yellowish
solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains 2% thionicotinamide,
20% lactic acid, and has pH 3.3. The lactic acid has been added to enhance the penetration
and the efficacy of thionicotinamide, and also to normalize the disturbed keratinization
in psoriasis, keratoses and warts.
Example 7
[0050] A therapeutic composition containing 6-aminonicotinamide and hydroxyacid for psoriasis,
keratoses and warts may be formulated as follows.
[0051] 6-Aminonicotinamide 1 gram and glycolic acid 19 grams are dissolved in a mixture
of ethanol 40 ml, water 32 ml and propylene glycol 8 ml with stirring until a clear
solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains 1% 6-aminonicotinamide,
19% glycolic acid, and has pH 3.0. The glycolic acid has been added to enhance the
penetration and the efficacy of 6-Aminonicotinamide, and also to normalize the disturbed
keratinization in psoriasis, keratoses and warts.
Example 8
[0052] A therapeutic composition containing clotrimazole and hydroxyacid for fungal infection
may be formulated as follows.
[0053] Clotrimazole 1 gram and lactic acid 4 ml are dissolved in 4 ml of ethanol, and the
solution thus obtained is mixed with 91 grams of hydrophilic ointment USP. The mixing
is continued until a uniform consistency is obtained. The composition thus formulated
contains 1% clotrimazole, 4% lactic acid, and has pH 3.2. The lactic acid has been
added to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of clotrimazole for athlete's foot,
and also to speed up healing and normalize the disturbed keratinization.
Example 9
[0054] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing chlorhexidine and hydroxyacid
as general antiseptics on skin, and for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of
acne may be formulated as follows. Chlorhexidine diacetate 1 gram and benzilic acid
5 grams are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 70 ml, water 10 ml and propylene glycol
14 ml with stirring until a clear solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated
contains 1% chlorhexidine, 5% benzilic acid, and has pH 4.4. Benzilic acid has been
added to enhance the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine, to eliminate the oiliness
of the skin, and to improve the acne lesions.
Example 10
[0055] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing benzilic acid as the only active
ingredient for oily skin, acne, skin cleansing and skin malodor may be formulated
as follows.
[0056] Benzilic acid 7 grams is dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 60 ml, water 20 ml and
propylene glycol 13 ml with stirring until a clear solution is obtained. The composition
thus prepared contains 7% benzilic acid, and has pH 3.0.
Example 11
[0057] A therapeutic composition containing tropic acid as the only active ingredient for
severe dry skin may be formulated as follows.
[0058] Tropic acid 10 grams is dissolved in 20 ml of ethanol, and the solution thus obtained
is mixed with 70 grams of hydrophilic ointment USP. The mixing is continued until
a uniform consistency is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains 10% tropic
acid as an active ingredient, and has pH 3.7.
Example 12
[0059] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing ribonolactone as the only active
ingredient for oily skin, acne and skin cleansing may be formulated as follows.
[0060] Ribonolactone 4 grams is dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 36 ml and water 60 ml
with stirring until a clear solution is obtained. The composition thus prepared contains
4% ribonolactone as an active ingredient, and has pH 3.8.
Example 13
[0061] A therapeutic composition containing hydrocortisone and tropic acid for inflammatory
and/or pruritic skin disorders may be formulated as follows.
[0062] Hydrocortisone 0.5 gram and tropic acid 5 grams are dissolved in 10 ml of ethanol
and 4 ml of acetone, and the solution thus obtained is mixed with 80 grams of hydrophilic
cintment USP. The mixing is continued until a uniform consistency is obtained. The
composition thus formulated contains 0.5% hydrocortisone and 5% tropic acid as active
ingredients, and has pH 3.4. The tropic acid has been added to enhance the penetration
and the efficacy of hydrocortisone and also to normalize the disturbed keratinization.
Example 14
[0063] A therapeutic composition containing triamcinolone acetonide and benzilic acid for
eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory and pruritic skin disorders may be formulated
as follows.
[0064] Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1 gram and benzilic acid 5 grams are dissolved in 10 ml
of ethanol, and the solution thus obtained is mixed with 85 grams of hydrophilic ointment
USP. The mixing is continued until a uniform consistency is obtained. The composition
thus formulated contains 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide, 5% benzilic acid, and has pH
3.4. The benzilic acid has been added to enhance the penetration and the efficacy
of triamcinolone acetonide, and also to normalize the disturbed keratinization in
eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin disorders.
Example 15
[0065] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing dipyridamole and lactic acid
for hair growth and for prevention of hair loss on the scalp may be formulated as
follows.
[0066] Dipyridamole 2 grams and lactic acid 4 ml are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 80
ml and propylene glycol 14 ml with stirring until a clear yellowish solution is obtained.
The composition thus formulated contains 2% dipyridamole, 4% lactic acid, and has
pH 4.4. The lactic acid has been added to help dipyridamole dissolved into solution,
to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of dipyridamole for hair growth and for
preventing hair loss.
Example 16
[0067] A therapeutic composition containing clobetasol propionate and agaricic acid for
eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory and pruritic skin disorders may be formulated
as follows.
[0068] Agaricic acid fine powder 2 grams and 98 grams of clobetasol propionate cream are
mixed until a uniform consistency is obtained. the composition thus formulated contains
approximately 0.05% clobetasol propionate, 2% agaricic acid, and has pH 4.3. The agaricic
acid has been added to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of clobetasol propionate,
and also to normalize the disturbed keratinization in eczema, psoriasis and other
inflammatory skin disorders.
Example 17
[0069] A therapeutic composition containing betamethasone dipropionate and benzilic acid
for eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis and other inflammatory and pruritic skin
disorders may be formulated as follows.
[0070] Benzilic acid powder 5 grams and 95 grams of betamethasone dipropionate ointment
are mixed until a uniform consistency is obtained. the composition thus formulated
contains approximately 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate and 5% benzilic acid. The
benzilic acid has been added to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of betamethasone
dipropionate, arid also to normalize the disturbed keratinization in eczema, psoriasis
and other inflammatory skin disorders.
Example 18
[0071] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing aloe, malic acid and gluconolactone
for oily skin and acne may be formulated as follows.
[0072] Aloe powder 200 fold 0.2 gram and ammoniated glycyrrhizinate 2 grams are mixed with
water 61 ml and propylene glycol 2 ml. The mixture is heated to 50° C until the aloe
powder and the ammoniated glycyrrhizinate are completely dissolved. Ethanol 10 ml
is added to the solution followed by the addition of partially neutralized malic acid
stock solution 3 ml and gluconolactone stock solution 22 ml with stirring. The warm
solution is poured into container jars before cooling. The gel composition thus formulated
contains 40% aloe, 1% malic acid, 9% gluconolactone, and has pH 4.0. Malic acid and
gluconolactone have been added to enhance the skin softness and smoothness by aloe,
and also to normalize any disturbed keratinization of the skin.
Example 19
[0073] A sun screen composition containing Octyl dimethyl PABA, dioxybenzone and lactic
acid may be formulated as follows. Octyl dimethyl PABA 5 grams, dioxybenzone 3 grams
and lactic acid 2 ml are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 65 ml, water 10 ml and
propylene glycol 15 ml with stirring until a clear solution is obtained. The composition
thus formulated contains 5% octyl dimethyl PABA, 3% dioxybenzone, 2% lactic acid,
and has pH 3.6. The lactic acid has been added to substantiate the absorption of sunscreen
agents, octyl dimethyl PABA and dioxybenzone, and to enhance the sun screen effect.
Example 20
[0074] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing tetracycline and glycolic acid
for oily skin and-acne may be formulated as follows.
[0075] Tetracycline 3 grams and glycolic acid 5 grams are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol
40 ml, water 40 ml and propylene glycol 12 ml with stirring until the tetracycline
and glycolic acid are completely dissolved. The composition thus formulated contains
3% tetracycline, 5% glycolic acid, and has pH 3.4. The glycolic acid has been added
to help tetracycline dissolved into the solution, to enhance the penetration and the
efficacy of tetracycline, and to normalize the disturbed keratinization in acne.
Example 21
[0076] A therapeutic composition containing griseofulvin and methyl pyruvate for fungal
infection of nails may be formulated at follows.
[0077] Griseofulvin 1 gram and methyl pyruvate 2 ml are dissolved in a mixture of 2-pyrrolidone
20 ml. PEG-400 47 ml and ethanol 30 ml with stirring until the griseofulvin is completely
dissolved. The composition thus formulated contains 1% griseofulvin, 2% methyl pyruvate,
and has pH 4.4. The methyl pyruvate has been added to help griseofulvin dissolve into
the solution, to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of griseofulvin, and to
normalize the disturbed keratinization in nails.
Example 22
[0078] A therapeutic composition containing lidocaine and atrolactic acid for pruritic skin
may be formulated as follows.
[0079] Lidocaine 2 grams and atrolactic acid hemihydrate 3 grams are dissolved in a mixture
of ethanol 40 ml, water 40 ml and propylene glycol 15 ml with stirring until the lidocaine
and atrolactic acid are completely dissolved. The composition thus formulated contains
2% lidocaine, 3% atrolactic acid, and has pH 4.6. The atrolactic acid has been added
to help lidocaine dissolved and stabilized in the solution and to enhance the efficacy
of lidocaine for pruritic skin.
Example 23
[0080] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing retinoic acid and ethyl pyruvate
for oily skin and acne may be formulated as follows.
[0081] Retinoic acid, all-trans 0.1 gram and ethyl pyruvate 2 ml are dissolved in a mixture
of ethanol 80 ml, water 10 ml and propylene glycol 8 ml with stirring until a yellowish
solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains 0.1% vitamin A acid,
2% ethyl pyruvate, and has pH 3.6. The ethyl pyruvate has been added to enhance the
penetration and the efficacy of retinoic acid, and to normalize the disturbed keratinization
in acne.
Example 24
[0082] A prophylactic and therapeutic composition containing erythromycin and aleuritic
acid for oily skin and acne may be formulated as follows.
[0083] Erythromycin 2 grams and aleuritic acid 2 grams are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol
50 ml, water 40 ml and propylene glycol 6 ml with stirring until a clear solution
is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains 2% erythromycin, 2% aleuritic
acid, and has pH 5.7. The aleuritic acid has been added to help erythromycin dissolve
into the solution, to enhance the penetration and the efficacy of erythromycin, and
to normalize the disturbed keratinization in acne.
Example 25
[0084] A therapeutic composition containing P-hydroxymandelic acid for dry skin may be formulated
as follows.
[0085] P-Hydroxymandelic acid 10 grams is dissolved in 20 ml of ethanol, and the pinkish
solution thus obtained is mixed with 70 grams of hydrophilic ointment USP with stirring
until a uniform consistency is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains
10% P-hydroxymandelic acid as an active ingredient, and has pH 3.2. P-Hydroxymandelic
acid has been incorporated into the composition to alleviate any scaly or flaky skin,
and to change the dry skin into normal smooth and soft skin.
Example 26
[0086] A therapeutic composition containing hydroquinone and lactic acid in solution form
for age spots, keratoses, melasmas, lentigines and other pigmented skin spots may
be formulated as follows.
[0087] Lactic acid 10 ml, hydroquinone 4 grams and sodium metabisulfite 0.6 gram are dissolved
in a mixture of ethanol 70 ml, water 10 ml and propylene glycol 6 ml with stirring
until a clear solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains 4% hydroquinone,
10% lactic acid, and has pH 4.0. The lactic acid has been added to help stabilize
and enhance the penetration and the efficacy of hydroquinone, and also to normalize
the disturbed keratinization in the skin lesions. The composition thus formulated
is packaged in felt pens for controlled delivery to skin lesions.
Example 27
[0088] A therapeutic composition containing hydroquinone and glycolic acid in solution form
for age spots, keratoses, melasmas, lentigines and other pigmented skin spots may
be formulated as follows.
[0089] Glycolic acid 8 grams, hydroquinone 5 grams and sodium metabisulfite 0.5 gram are
dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 70 ml, water 10 ml and propylene glycol 7 ml with
stirring until a clear solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated contains
5% hydroquinone, 8% glycolic acid, and has pH 3.9. The glycolic acid has been added
to help stabilize and enhance the penetration and the efficacy of hydroquinone, and
also to normalize the disturbed keratinization in the skin lesions. The composition
thus prepared is packaged in felt pens for controlled delivery to skin lesions.
Example 28
[0090] A therapeutic composition containing hydroquinone and 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic
acid in solution form for age spots, keratoses, melasmas, lentigines and other pigmented
skin spots may be formulated as follows.
[0091] 2-Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid 12 grams, hydroquinone 4 grams and sodium bisulfite
0.3 gram are dissolved in a mixture of ethanol 60 ml, water 20 ml and propylene glycol
4 ml with stirring until a clear solution is obtained. The composition thus formulated
contains 4% hydroquinone, 12% 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, and has pH 4.0. The
composition solution is packaged in felt pens for controlled delivery to skin lesions.
The 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid has been added to help stabilize and enhance
the penetration and the efficacy of hydroquinone, and also to normalize the disturbed
keratinization in the skin lesions.
Example 29
[0092] A composition containing hydroquinone alone in solution form for age spots and keratoses
studies may be formulated as follows.
[0093] Hydroquinone 5 grams and sodium metal bisulfite 0.5 gram are dissolved in a mixture
of ethanol 70 ml, water 15 ml and propylene glycol 10 ml with stirring until a clear
solution is obtained. The composition thus prepared contains 5% hydroquinone and has
pH 6.0. The composition solution is packaged in felt pens for comparative studies;
with or without hydroxyacids on age spots and keratoses.
TEST RESULTS
[0094] In order to determine whether addition of a hydroxyacid in the composition could
enhance the therapeutic action of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical agent a total of more
than 55 volunteers and patients having different skin disorders participated in these
studies. Each participating subject was given two preparations; i.e. with or without
the addition of a hydroxyacid in the therapeutic composition.
[0095] Topical applications were carried out either by bilateral or sequential comparison,
In bilateral comparison the subject was instructed to apply one preparation on one
side of the body and the other one on the other side of the body. For psoriasis, eczema,
severe dry skin, athlete's foot, etc., where both sides were involved, the subject
was instructed to apply two to three times daily one medication on one side of the
body for a period of up to several months of time. In the pulse treatment for psoriasis
or other inflammatory diseases the medication was applied only once every three days
or twice a week. The medication was discontinued whenever a total remission of the
lesions occurred prior to the test period of up to several months.
[0096] For the scalp or face involvement such as in dandruff, oily skin, acne and seborrheic
dermatitis the subject was instructed to apply two to three time daily one medication
on one side of the scalp or the face and the other medication on the other side of
the scalp or the face for a period of up to 12 weeks of time. For age spots, keratoses
or warts the medication was continued for up to 4 months of time.
[0097] Sequential administrations of medications were carried out whenever the bilateral
comparison was difficult. for example in pruritic conditions the subject was instructed
to apply four time daily or as often as necessary one medication on the pruritic lesions
for two days, then switched to the other medication on the same lesions for another
two days, thus to compare which medication was more effective in relieving the itching.
1. Dry skin.
[0098] Human subjects having ordinary dry skin or with moderate degrees of dry skin as evidenced
by dry, flaking and cracking of the skin were instructed to apply topically the lotion,
cream or ointment containing 3 to 7 percent of hydroxyacids of the instant invention
on the affected skin areas. Topical application, two to three times daily, was continued
for two to three weeks. In all the nine subjects tested, the feeling of the skin dryness
disappeared within a week of topical application. The rough and cracked skin became
less pronounced and the skin appeared normal and felt smooth after 10 days of topical
treatment.
[0099] The ordinary dry skin conditions once restored to normal appearing skin remained
improved for some time until causes of dry skin, such as low humidity, cold weather,
excessive contact pressure, detergents, soaps, solvents, chemicals, etc., again caused
recurrence of the dry skin condition. On continued use it was also found that twice
daily topical application of a composition containing one or more hydroxyacids of
instant invention prevented the development of new dry skin lesions.
[0100] In severe dry skin the skin lesions are different from the above. The involved skin
is hyperplastic, fissured and has thick adherent scales. The degree of thickening
is such that lesions are palpably and visually elevated. The thickened adherent scales
cause the surface of involved skin to be markedly rough and uneven. The two attributes
of thickness and texture can be quantified to allow objective measurement of degree
of improvement from topically applied therapeutic test materials as follows:
|
DEGREE OF IMPROVEMENT |
|
None (0) |
Mild (1+) |
Moderate (2+) |
Substantial (3+) |
Complete (4+) |
THICKNESS |
Highly elevated |
Detectable reduction |
Readily apparent reduction |
Barely elevated |
Normal thickness |
TEXTURE |
Visibly rough |
Palpably rough |
Uneven but not rough |
Slightly uneven |
Visibly and palpably smooth |
[0101] By means of such parameters degrees of change in lesions can be numerically noted
and comparisons made of one treated site to another.
[0102] In order to evaluate the hydroxyacids and their related compounds of the instant
invention a total of six patients with severe dry skin conditions or ichthyosis were
treated with the compositions containing 7 to 15% of hydroxyacids as described in
the Examples.
[0103] Treated areas were of a size convenient for topical applications, i.e., circles 5
cm in diameter demarcated with a plastic ring of that size inked on a stamp pad. The
medicinal creams or ointments were topically applied by the patient in an amount sufficient
to cover the treatment sites. Applications were made three time daily and without
occlusive dressings. Applications were discontinued at any time when resolution of
the lesion on the treatment area was clinically judged to be complete.
[0104] The test results on patients with severe dry skin are summarized on the following
table.
Topical Effectiveness of Hydroxyacids on Severe Dry Skin |
Compounds |
Number of Patients |
Therapeutic Effectiveness |
1. Tropic acid |
4 |
4+ |
2. Benzilic acid |
5 |
4+ |
3. Ribonolactone |
3 |
3+ |
4. 4-Hydroxymandelic acid |
2 |
3+ |
5. 3-Chloro 4-hydroxymandelic acid |
2 |
3+ |
6. 3,4-Dihydroxymandelic acid |
2 |
3+ |
2. Psoriasis
[0105] The involved skin in psoriasis is hyperplastic (thickened), erythematous (red or
inflamed), and has thick adherent scales. the degree of thickening is such that lesions
are elevated up to 1 mm above the surface of adjacent normal skin; erythema is usually
an intense red; the thickened adherent scales cause the surface of involved skin to
be markedly rough and uneven. These three attributes of thickness, color arid texture
can be quantified to allow objective measurement of degree of improvement from topically
applied therapeutic test materials as follows.
|
DEGREE OF IMPROVEMENT |
|
None ( 0) |
Mild ( 1+) |
Moderate ( 2+) |
Substantial ( 3+) |
Complete ( 4+) |
Thickness |
Highly elevated |
Detectable reduction |
Readily apparent |
Barely elevated |
Normal thickness |
Texture |
Visibly rough |
Palpably rough |
Uneven but not rough |
Slightly uneven |
Visibly and palpably smooth |
Color |
Intense red |
Red |
Dark Pink |
Light pink |
Normal skin color |
[0106] By means of such parameters degree of improvements in psoriatic lesions can be numerically
recorded and comparisons made of one treated site to another. The treatment schedule
was quite different from the previously described in that the present study was employing
a "Pulse Treatment." Instead of several times daily application the therapeutic composition
of antipsoriatic agent with or without a hydroxyacid in solution form was topically
applied to the involved skin only once in every three days or twice a week. The test
results on patients having psoriasis are summarized on the following table.
Topical Effects on Psoriasis of Antipsoriatic Agents With or without Hydroxyacids |
Compositions |
Number of Patients |
Therapeutic Effectiveness |
Thionicotinamide 3% alone |
6 |
2+ |
with 10% Lactic acid |
6 |
4+ |
with 5% Glycolic acid |
4 |
4+ |
with 5% 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid |
3 |
4+ |
6-Aminonicotinamide 1% alone |
5 |
3+ |
with 10% Lactic acid |
5 |
4+ |
with 10% Glycolic acid |
4 |
4+ |
Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment alone |
5 |
3+ |
with 5% Benzilic acid |
4 |
4+ |
with 5% Tropic acid |
3 |
4+ |
with 5% 2-Methyl 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid |
3 |
4+ |
Clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream alone |
4 |
2+ |
with 5% Benzilic acid |
3 |
3+ |
with 5% Tropic acid |
2 |
3+ |
with 5% 2-Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid |
3 |
3+ |
[0107] In a topical treatment of eczema patients, betamethasone dipropionate or clobetasol
propionate alone at 0.05% would achieve only a 3+ improvement on all the eczema patients
tested. As shown by the table with the additional of 5% gluconolactone or ribonolactone
betamethasone dipropionate or clobetasol propionate could attain a 4+ maximal clearing
on all the eczema patients tested.
Topical Effects on Eczema of Corticosteroids With and Without Hydroxyacid Lactone |
Composition |
Number of Patients |
Therapeutic Effectiveness |
Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% alone |
3 |
3+ |
with 5% Gluconolactone |
3 |
4+ |
with 5% Ribonolactone |
2 |
4+ |
Clobetasol propionate 0.05% alone |
4 |
3+ |
with 5% Gluconolactone |
4 |
4+ |
with 5% Ribonolactone |
3 |
4+ |
3. Age Spots, Wrinkles, Keratoses and Pigmented Skin lesions.
[0108] Therapeutic compositions packaged in felt pens as described in Examples were provided
to 14 patients for treatment of age spots, wrinkles, keratoses and other pigmented
skin spots. Each participating patient received two felt pens; i.e. with or without
the addition of hydroxyacid to the composition containing hydroquinone. The patients
were instructed to apply topically one medication on one side of the body such as
on the back of the left hand and the other medication on the other side of the body
such as on the back of the right hand. Specific instructions were given to the patients
that the medications were applied twice daily and discretely only to the skin lesions
of age spots, wrinkles, keratoses, melasmas, lentigines or other pigmented skin spots.
[0109] Within one to three weeks, improvement of age spots and keratoses was clinically
discernible. After one to three months substantial eradication of age spots, wrinkles
and keratoses occurred in all the patients tested. Complete eradication of age spots
usually occurred within two to four months of topical administration in most cases.
Therapeutic compositions containing higher concentrations of hydroxyacids (10 to 20%)
and hydroquinone (3 to 5%) were judged to be more efficient in eradicating age spots,
wrinkles and keratoses within shorter periods of time. Without the addition of a hydroxyacid
to the composition of hydroquinone, eradication of age spots, wrinkles or keratoses
did not occur within four months of time.
[0110] It was also found that while compositions containing hydroxyacids without hydroquinone
were effective for eradication of keratoses and wrinkles, the compositions were not
efficient in eradicating pigmented age spots, melasmas or lentigines within 4 months
of time. In any case, with the addition of a hydroxyacid to the composition containing
hydroquinone, pigmented age spots, melasmas, lentigines and other pigmented skin spots
had been substantially eradicated.
4. Acne.
[0111] Therapeutic compositions containing tetracycline, erythromycin or chlorhexidine with
or without the addition of a hydroxyacid were provided to 9 patients having papulopustular
or pustular lesions of acne. Each participating patient received two medications,
with or without the addition of a hydroxyacid to the composition containing an antibiotic.
The patients were instructed to apply topically one medication on one side of the
body such as the left side forehead, face, back or chest, and the other medication
on the other side of the body such as right side forehead, face, back or chest. Twice
daily administration was continued for 4 to 12 weeks.
[0112] The degree and rate of improvement on acne lesions were clinically evaluated, and
comparison was made between the two sides; one side with and the other side without
a hydroxyacid in the compositions containing an antibiotic. It was found that the
degree and rate of improvement on acne lesions were substantially better on the side
treated with a combination composition containing both the hydroxyacid and the antibiotic
as compared to that of the antibiotic alone. The time for complete clearing of acne
lesions treated with a combination composition varied from 4 to 12 weeks of time,
with an average time of 8 weeks, whereas complete clearing with that of the antibiotic
alone ranged from 8 weeks to 9 months, with an average of 4 months.
5. Preventing Hair Loss And For Hair Growth.
[0113] Prophylactic and therapeutic compositions containing minoxidil or dipyridamole with
or without a hydroxyacid or related compound were provided to 6 human subjects having
a progressive loss of hair on the scalp. Each participating subject received two medications;
i.e. with or without the addition of a hydroxyacid to the composition containing minoxidil
or dipyridamole. The subjects were instructed to apply topically one medication on
one side of the scalp and the other medication on the other side of the scalp. Twice
daily topical applications were continued for 2 to 6 months. Clinical evaluation shows
that the combination compositions containing minoxidil or dipyridamole and a hydroxyacid
or related compound were therapeutically more efficient in preventing the hair loss
and enhancing hair growth on the scalp.
[0114] Therapeutic compositions containing clotrimazole or griseofulvin with or without
the addition of a hydroxyacid were provided to 6 patients having recurrent fungal
infections of the foot; i.e. athlete's foot with or without toe nail involvement.
Each participating patient received two medications with or without the addition of
a hydroxyacid to the composition containing clotrimazole or griseofulvin. The patients
were instructed to apply topically one medication on one side of the body such as
left foot, and the other medication on the other side of the body such as right foot.
Three time daily applications were continued for one to two weeks. When nail infections
were involved the topical application was continued for up to 4 months using the compositions
containing griseofulvin with or without the addition of a hydroxyacid.
[0115] The degree and rate of improvement on skin lesions were clinically evaluated, and
comparison was made one side of the body against the other. It was found that the
skin lesions improved much faster with the compositions containing both the antifungal
agent and the hydroxyacid. The presence of hydroxyacid appeared to enhance the efficacy
of the antifungal agent, and also to eliminate the discomforts such as itching, tingling,
burning and heat due to the fungal infection. Generally the infected skin healed within
a week from topical application of the compositions containing an antifungal agent
and a hydroxyacid. When toe nails were involved in the fungal infection the complete
healing and regrowth of nails usually took several months on continued topical application
of medications containing griseofulvin and a hydroxyacid.
[0116] The hydroxyacids and related compounds which may be useful as dermatologic agents
for various conditions and disorders including age spots, keratoses, skin wrinkles
etc. or as additives to enhance therapeutic effects of other cosmetic or pharmaceutical
agents include 2-Hydroxyacetic acid; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic
acid; 2-hydroxybutanoic acid; phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyacetic
acid; 3-phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 2,3-dihyroxypropanoic acid; 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic
acid; 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid; 2-hydroxydodecanoic acid; 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic
acid; 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid; diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 4-hydroxymandelic
acid; 4-chloromandelic acid; 3-hydroxybutanoic acid; 4-hydroxybutanoic acid; 2-hydroxyhexanoic
acid; 5-hydroxydodecanoic acid; 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid; 10-hydroxydecanoic acid;
16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic
acid; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic
acid; 3-(2-hydroxphenyl) lactic acid; 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; hexahydromandelic
acid; 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid; 4-hydroxydecanoic acid; 5-hydroxydecanoic
acid; aleuritic acid.
[0117] 2-Hydroxypropanedioic acid; 2-hydroxybutanedioic acid; erythraric acid; threaric
acid; arabiraric acid; ribaric acid; xylaric acid; lyxaric acid; glucaric acid; galactaric
acid; mannaric acid; gularic acid; allaric acid; altraric acid; idaric acid; talaric
acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanedioic acid.
[0118] Citric acid, isocitric acid, agaricic acid, quinic acid, glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone,
galacturonic acid, galacturonolactone, uronic acids, uronolactones, ascorbic acid,
dihydroascorbic acid, dihydroxytartaric acid, tropic acid, ribonolactone, gluconolactone,
galactonolactone, gulonolactone, mannonolactone, citramalic acid.
[0119] Pyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid phosphate, their esters; methyl
pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, isopropyl pyruvate; phenyl pyruvic acid,
its esters; methyl phenyl pyruvate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, propyl phenyl pyruvate;
formyl formic acid; its esters; methyl formyl formate, ethyl formyl formate, propyl
formyl formate; benzoyl formic acid, its esters; methyl benzoyl formate, ethyl benzoyl
formate and propyl benzoyl formate; 4-hydroxybenzoyl formic acid, its esters; 4-hydroxyphenyl
pyruvic acid, its esters; 2-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid and its esters.
[0120] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore
to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of
the invention being indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within
the meaning and equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
1. Use of
- a topical dermatologic agent except a dermatologic agent comprising a corticosteroid
or dithranol
together with
- an enhancing effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting
of hydroxycarboxylic acids and ketocarboxylic acids and esters, lactones or salt forms
thereof, wherein the combination of minoxidil and glucuronic acid is excluded, and
wherein further the composition must not contain reductive diphenols together with
a plant extract,
for the preparation of a topical dermatologic therapeutic composition with enhanced
therapeutic effect for use in anesthesia and in the treatment of wrinkles; of keratoses;
of pain; of acne; of bacterial and/or viral infections; of burns; of dermatitis; of
pruritus; of hyperkeratosis; of psoriasis; of seborrhea; of hair growth impairments
and dandruff; of warts; and of antihistamine responsive manifestations.
2. Use of the composition of claim 1 wherein said agent is a member selected from the
group consisted of: aloe; 9-aminoacridine; PABA and its esters, octyldimethyl PABA,
chlorhexidine, acyclovir, amphotericins; benzoyl peroxide; clindamycin, chloramphenicol;
clotrimazole, candicidin; cromolyn, clindamycin, crotamiton, coal tar; doxycycline;
dipyridamole, dioxybenzone, diazoxide, diphenylhydantoin; ephedrine, erythromycin;
fluorouracil, flucytosine; gentamicin, griseofulvin, gramicidin; halothane, hydroquinone
and its monomethyl and benzyl ethers; haloprogin, hydralazine; idoxuridine, kanamycin,
ketoconazole, lidocaine, miconazole, metronidazole, minoxidil, minocycline, meclocycline,
metronidazole, nitroglycerine, nystatin, neomycin, oxybenzone, oxytetracycline, procaine,
polymyxins, povidoneiodine, phenytoin, prazosin, retinoic acid and other retinoids,
spironolactone, sulfonamides, sulfacytosine, spectinomycin, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazoles,
sulfamethizole, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, sulfur, theophylline, tobramycin,
tetracycline, tolnaftate, trimethoprin, troleandomycin, vitamins, vancomycin and zinc
pyrithione.
3. Use of the composition of claim 1 or 2 wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acid is hydroxymonocarboxylic
acid having the following chemical structural formula:
R
1(CR
2OH)
m (CH
2)
nCOOH
wherein
R1, R2=H, alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain or cyclic form, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms,
m=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 9,
n=0 or a numerical number up to 23,
present as free acid, lactone or salt form, and as optically active or inactive isomer
such as D, L, and DL forms; the hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted
by a nonfunctional F, Cl, Br, I, or S atom or a lower alkyl or alkoxy saturated or
unsaturated radical, having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
4. Use of the composition of claim 3 wherein said hydroxymonocarboxylic acid is a member
selected from the group consisted of
2-hydroxyacetic acid; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-hydroxybutanoic
acid; phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 3-phenyl
2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid; 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic acid;
2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid; 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid; 2-hydroxydodecanoic
acid; 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid; diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 4-hydroxymandelic
acid; 4-chloromandelic acid; 3-hydroxybutanoic acid; 4-hydroxybutanoic acid; 2-hydroxyhexanoic
acid; 5-hydroxydodecanoic acid; 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid; 10-hydroxydecanoic acid;
16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic
acid; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic
acid; 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; hexahydromandelic
acid; 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid; 4-hydroxydecanoic acid; 5-hydroxydecanoic
acid; aleuritic acid.
5. Use of the composition of claim 3 wherein said lactone is an intermolecular or intramolecular
lactone including linear acid polymer, ribonolactone, gluconolactone, galactonolactone,
gulonolactone and mannonolactone.
6. Use of the composition of claim 1 or 2 wherein said compound is a keto or hydroxyketomonocarboxylic
acid selected from the group consisting of pyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic
acid phosphate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate,isopropyl pyruvate,
phenyl pyruvic acid, methyl phenyl pyruvate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, propyl phenyl
pyruvate; formyl formic acid, methyl formyl formate, ethyl formyl formate, propyl
formyl formate, benzoyl formic acid, methyl benzoyl formate, ethyl benzoyl formate,
propyl benzoyl formate, 4-hydroxybenzoyl formic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid,
and 2-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid.
7. Use of the composition of claim 1 or 2 wherein said compound is a hydroxydicarboxylic
acid having the following chemical structural formula:

wherein
m=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, or 9,
n=0 or a numerical number up to 23,
present as free acid, lactone or salt form, and as optically active or inactive D,
L, and meso isomer; hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted by
a nonfunctional F, Cl, Br, I, or S atom or a lower alkyl or alkoxy saturated or unsaturated
radical, having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
8. Use of the composition of claim 7 wherein said hydroxydicarboxylic acid is a member
selected from the group consisted of 2-hydroxypropanedioic acid; 2-hydroxybutanedioic
acid; erythraric acid; threaric acid; arabiraric acid; ribaric acid; xylaric acid;
lyxaric acid; glucaric acid; galactaric acid; mannaric acid; gularic acid; allaric
acid; altraric acid; idaric acid; talaric acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanedioic acid.
9. Use of the composition of claim 7 wherein said lactone is an intermolecular or intramolecular
lactone including saccharic acid, 1,4-lactone.
10. Use of the composition of claim 1 or 2 wherein said compound is a hydroxycarboxylic
acid of having the following formula
R (OH)
m (COOH)
n,
wherein
m,n = 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 9,
R= alkyl, aralkyl or aryl group of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched
chain or cyclic form, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms,
present as free acid, lactone or salt form.
11. Use of the composition of claim 10 wherein said acid is a member selected from the
group consisting of citric acid, isocitric acid, agaricic acid, quinic acid, citramalic
acid, glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone, galacturonic acid, galacturonolactone, uronic
acids, uronolactones, ascorbic acid, dihydroascorbic acid, dihydroxytartaric acid,
1-hydroxy-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 5-hydroxylysine, 3-hydroxy-2-aminopentanoic
acid, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid, 4-hydroxy-2,2-diphenylbutanoic acid, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric
acid and ester, lactone or salt forms thereof, and as an optically active or inactive
D, L, DL or meso isomer; the hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom may be substituted
by a nonfunctional F, Cl, Br, I or S atom or a lower alkyl or alkoxy saturated or
unsaturated radical having 1 to 9 carbon atoms.
12. Use of the composition of claim 10 wherein the lactone is an inter or intramolecular
lactone.
13. Use of the composition of claim 1 or 2 wherein said compound is selected from the
group consisting of:
citramalic acid, diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid), 2-phenyl 3-hydroxypropanoic
acid (tropic acid), aleuritic acid, ribonic acid, ribonoloactone, 2,3,4-trihydroxybutanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid, 2,3,4,5,6 pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, 2-hydroxylauric
acid, 2,3,4.5,6,7 hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 4-chloromandelic
acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic
acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)
lactic acid, hexahydromandelic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid, 1-hydroxy-l-cyclopropane
carboxylic acid, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid, 2-hydroxyhexanoic acid, 5-hydroxylauric acid,
12-hydroxylauric acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, 4-hydroxydecanoic
acid, 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, and 4-hydroxy-2,2-diphenylbutanoic acid as a free acid
or salt form.
14. Use of the composition of any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the topical dermatologic agent
is selected from the group consisting of hydroquinone and hydroquinone monoether including
menomethyl and monobenzyl ether.
15. Use of the composition of claim 14 wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acids and ketocarboxylic
acid and esters, lactones or salt forms thereof include glycolic acid, benzilic acid,
tropic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, isocitric acid, citramalic acid,
tartronic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, galactonic acid, alpha hydroxyisobutyric
acid, phenyllactic acid, mandelic acid, atrolactic acid, gluconolactone, galactonolactone,
ribonic acid, ribonolactone, pantoic acid, pantolactone, pantothenic acid, alpha hydroxybutyric
acid, beta hydroxybutyric acid, quinic acid, pyruvic acid, phenyl pyruvic acid, methyl
pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, ascorbic acid, benzoyl formic acid, methyl benzoyl formate,
and ethyl benzoyl formate.
16. Use of the compositions as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 for use in hair growth
impairments wherein the dermatologic agent is selected from the group consisting of
minoxidil or dipyridamole.
17. Use of the compositions as claimed in claim 16 wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acid
or related compound is a member selected from the group consisted of lactic acid,
glycolic acid, glucuronic acid, gluconolactone, gluconic acid, 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic
acid, mandelic acid, tropical acid, benzilic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric
acid, tartronic acid, pyruvic acid, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, saccharic acid,
isocitric acid, agaricic acid, citramalic acid, aleuritic acid, mucic acid, galaturonic
acid, phenyllactic acid, benzoylformic acid, atrolactic acid, galactonic acid, ascorbic
acid, dihydroascorbic acid, pantoyllactone, gulonic acid, gulonolactone, pantoic acid,
ribonic acid, ribonolactone, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, 4-hydroxymandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic
acid, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, 4-chloromandelic
acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)
lactic acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid and hexahydromandelic acid.
18. Use of the compositions as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 for use against acne.
19. Use of an effective amount of benzilic acid in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle
for the preparation of a topical dermatologic agent for use in the treatment of acne.
20. Use of at least one member selected from hydroxycarboxylic acids and ketocarboxylic
acids, and esters, lactones, and salt forms thereof, for the preparation of a topical
dermatologic therapeutic composition for use in the treatment of wrinkles.
21. Use of a topical composition containing at least one member selected from hydroxycarboxylic
acids and ketocarboxylic acids, and esters, lactones, and salt forms thereof, for
the treatment of wrinkles.
22. Use of any of claims 20 or 21 wherein said hydroxycarboxylic acids and related compounds
include 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid; 2-methyl 2-hydroxypropanoic
acid; 2-hydroxybutanoic acid; phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid;.phenyl 2-methyl 2-hydroxyacetic
acid; 3-phenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid; 2,3,4-trihydrorybutanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanoic acid, 2,3,4,5,6 - pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, 2-hydroxydodecanoic
acid, 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydroxyheptanoic acid, diphenyl 2-hydroxyacetic acid; 4-hydroxymandelic
acid; 4-chloromandelic acid; 3-hydroxybutanoic acid; 4-hydroxybutanoic acid; 2-hydroxyhexanoic
acid; 5-hydroxydodecanoic acid, 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid,
16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy 3-methylbutanoic acid; 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic
acid; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxymandelic acid; 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanoic
acid; 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) lactic acid; hexahydromandelic
acid; 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid; 4-hydroxydecanoic acid; 5-hydroxydecanoic
acid; aleuritic acid; 2-hydroxypropanedioic acid; 2-hydroxybutanedioic acid; erythraric
acid; threaric acid; arabiraric acid; ribaric acid; xylaric acid; lyxaric acid; glucaric
acid; galactaric acid; mannaric acid; gularic acid; allaric acid; altraric acid; idaric
acid; talaric acid; 2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanedioic acid;
citric acid, isocitric acid, agaricic acid, quinic acid, glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone,
galacturonic acid, galacturonolactone, uronic acids, uronolactones, ascorbic acid,
dihydroascorbic acid, dihydroxytartaric acid, tropic acid, ribonolactone, gluconolactone,
galactonolactone, gulonolactone, mannonolactone, ribonic acid, gluconic acid, citramalic
acid;
pyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid, hydroxypyruvic acid phosphate, methyl pyruvate,
ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, isopropyl pyruvate; phenyl pyruvic acid, methyl phenyl
pyruvate, ethyl phenyl pyruvate, propyl phenyl pyruvate; formyl formic acid, methyl
formyl formate, ethyl formyl formate, propyl formyl formate, benzoyl formic acid,
methyl benzoyl formate, ethyl benzoyl formate, propyl benzoyl formate, 4-hydroxybenzoyl
formic acid, 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid, 2-hydroxyphenyl pyruvic acid.